King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. toph), a small drum or tambourine; a tabret (q.v.). The antiquity of this musical instrument appears from the scriptural allusions to it (Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34, etc.) (See MUSIC.)

Called also Tabret, an instrument of music of the tambourine sort.

Used by Miriam
Exodus 15:20

Used by Jephthah's daughter
Judges 11:34

Used in religious service
2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 68:25; Psalms 81:2; Psalms 149:3; Psalms 150:4

Used in dances
Job 21:12
Music, Instruments of

TIM'BREL, noun [Latin tympanum.] An instrument of music; a kind of drum, tabor or tabret, which has been in use from the highest antiquity.

And Miriam took a timbrel in her hand--and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Exodus 15:20.

(Heb. toph). In old English tabor was used for any drum. Tabouret and tambourine are diminutives of tabor, and denote the instrument now known as the tambourine. Tabret is a contraction of tabouret. The Hebrew toph is undoubtedly the instrument described by travellers as the duff or diff of the Arabs. It was played principally by women, (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6; Psalms 68:25) as an accompaniment to the song and dance. The diff of the Arabs is described by Russell as "a hoop (sometimes with pieces of brass fixed in it to make a jingling) over which a piece of parchment is stretched. It is beaten with the fingers, and is the true tympanum of the ancients." In Barbary it is called tar .

TIM'BRELED, adjective Sung to the sound of the timbrel.